The Jaguars arrived at North Carolina State last season having won each of the program's first 19 games. It left with a 19-1 all-time record, losing to the Wolfpack 35-13 in the Jaguars' first-ever game against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent. The Jags return to the scene of that loss Saturday for a 5 p.m. CDT kickoff against N.C. State in the second game of a three-game contract with the Wolfpack, who are scheduled to play South Alabama in Mobile in 2015.

Both teams are 1-1 heading into the game, both have improved defensive units and both are looking to gain more production on offense. South Alabama won a 9-3 field goal festival last week against Nicholls State at home while N.C. State topped UConn 10-7 on the road.

South Alabama is looking for its first win over a FBS team, a win that would be the biggest thus far in the program's history. A victory would also give the Jags a solid start to what is the start of the toughest stretch of their schedule this season. A trip to Mississippi State follows today's game, with Troy (who plays Mississippi State today at home) visiting Mobile on Sept. 29. After an off week, the Jags travel to defending Sun Belt Conference champ Arkansas State on Oct. 13.

"We look forward to ballgames like this,'' Jags' head coach Joey Jones said this week. "Last year, N.C. State was our first (FBS) game. We went up there and played a really good football game. They are very good opponent, obviously well-coached and have good players. I thought we went out there and went toe-to-toe with them. Our kids are very competitive and want to be in these type of situations. You want to get into an atmosphere like you see in Raleigh. I'll never forget walking out onto the field last year and how exciting it was to be in that atmosphere. Our kids are looking forward to it.''

Offensively, the two teams are struggling. N.C. State ranks No. 107 in the country in rushing offense, No. 103 in scoring offense and No. 93 in total offense. Yet quarterback Mike Glennon had a career-high four touchdown passes against South Alabama a year ago, passing for 274 yards and no interceptions and completing 17-of-20 throws. He is 42-of-76 for 492 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions heading into the game. USA quarterback C.J. Bennett, who 17-of-32 here past year for 182 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, is 26-of-44 for the season for 293 yards, one interception and two touchdowns.

South Alabama reached the red zone five times last week against Nicholls State but failed to score a touchdown.

"I'm not disappointed at all,'' running back Demetre Baker said. "I think we just have to put everything together. We have what it takes - we have the offense and we certainly have the plays to do what it takes to get in the red zone. We just have to finish up, do a little more polishing and practice harder and put one in. When we score that touchdown it will be exciting for us because we know we did everything we could to get in the red zone and score."

Bennett will be directing the Jags' offense against an improved Wolfpack defensive front and a strong secondary. All-America defensive back David Amerson collected his 14th career interception last week against UConn and is two away from tying the school record. Safety Brandon Bishop picked up his 10th career interception in the game and safety Earl Wolff also had a pick.

The South Alabama defense had a strong showing against Nicholls State, making six sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. It also held Nicholls State to 118 total yards. It will be tested against Glennon and the Wolfpack offense.

"(Cornerback) Darrius Morrow and I have been talking about this the whole week,'' cornerback Tyrell Pearson said. "It's going to be a big game for both of us. Playing at junior college, we expect to be playing against big competition and big-time quarterbacks. Our slogan is 'Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.'"